Portable Emergency Shutdown Device for MRI Magnet Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MRI systems face challenges in rapidly shutting down the magnetic field during emergency situations, such as natural disasters or fires, due to disabled connections between the emergency shutdown switch and the magnet system.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with a communication unit and field shutdown initiation circuitry, which can be connected to various MRI systems via a universal interface, allowing for rapid shutdown of the magnetic field through a cable or wireless communication, and includes a switch for initiating the shutdown process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed emergency shutdown buttons are used in existing MRI systems, then the shutdown function is simple and reliable under normal conditions, but the system becomes vulnerable to wire disconnection during natural disasters or fires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency shutdown reliabilityVSAvoidconnection method flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The emergency shutdown system is divided into separate modular components: a portable device with shutdown initiation circuitry, communication interface, and power source that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the system to bypass damaged fixed connections and establish new communication pathways to the magnet system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A portable intermediary device is introduced between the operator and the magnet system. This device contains shutdown initiation circuitry and communication interfaces that can establish connections through alternative pathways when fixed wires are compromised, acting as a mediator to transmit shutdown commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional wired connections are used for emergency shutdown, then the connection is stable, but the system cannot function when wires are disabled by natural disasters or fires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to environmental hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static fixed wiring to dynamic reconfigurable connections. The portable device can establish connections through multiple interfaces (wireless communication, alternative cable paths) and adapt its connection method based on environmental conditions, making the system resilient to environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The communication parameters and connection methods are made changeable. The portable device can switch between different communication protocols and connection types (wireless vs. wired, different cable interfaces) to maintain functionality when environmental conditions change or damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a portable device with multiple communication interfaces is implemented, then adaptability to different connection scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection method flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable device is designed with universal communication capabilities that can interface with multiple types of magnet systems through standardized protocols. Rather than creating separate specialized devices for each connection type, a single multi-functional device handles various communication scenarios, managing complexity through design consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If remote shutdown capability is added, then safety during natural disasters is improved, but the system requires additional communication circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote shutdown capabilityVSAvoidcommunication circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The remote shutdown capability is merged with the portable device's core shutdown initiation function. The communication interface and remote control capabilities are integrated into the same portable unit that contains the shutdown circuitry, eliminating the need for separate remote control systems and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9921277B2Portable device for emergency magnetic field shutdown

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

Devices and methods are provided for shutting down a magnet system. The device includes a portable housing, a communication unit, and a switch on the portable housing. The portable housing encloses a field shutdown initiation circuitry. The communication unit is disposed at least partially in the portable housing and the communication unit is configured to establish communication between the field shutdown initiation circuitry and the magnet system. The switch is configured to turn on the field shutdown initiation circuitry to initiate a magnet field shutdown in the magnet system.